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zerOz

Minimalist Wallets

Lighten Up

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to lose the George Costanza wallet. You know, the one that acts as your junk drawer and has swelled to the size of carry-on luggage thanks to too many credit cards, old receipts and expired coupons. Zeroz has the perfect replacement: a minimalist wallet that’s slim, stylish and super efficient.

Designer Paul Westrick came up with the idea for these sleek card- and cash-carriers after a four-day bike ride. He had ditched his fat wallet for the ride and took only the bare essentials -- cash and credit cards -- held together with a rubber band. After the ride, he started working on a refined version of his liberating rubber-band solution.

Today Paul’s zeroz wallets are made in Ohio with leather from Italy. They’re designed to hold just the important stuff: Your ID, debit card, credit card and maybe a photo or two of someone special. A cashStrap keeps bills or a single key secure. Three sizes are available. The extra-small size holds 2-4 cards, the small version holds 5-6 cards, and the large option holds 10 cards. Are you ready to lose the bulk and get slim with zeroz?

Grommet Launch Conversation

Paul

Hi. It's Paul, the designer of zerOz. I am passionate about super slim wallets. We just don't need fat wallets anymore! I've created something for bag or backpack, front pocket or purse in a range of different styles to match how we live ... perfect for a night out or a long bike ride...all super skinny ... all super stylish.

Elisabeth

5/17/2011 12:23 PM

i got one thinking i would use it on specific occasions...turns out, i use it all the time!

Gwen

5/17/2011 12:23 PM

Are these all the same size?

Katherine – Grommet Team

5/17/2011 12:28 PM

@Gwen: They vary in depth and can hold a different number of cards. The x-small holds 3, the small holds 5 and the medium holds 10.

Melissa

5/17/2011 12:23 PM

I recently purchased the 3-card holder red OM. I had read a review of the wallets in the local reader and headed downtown on the bike to investigate up-close. Paul was fantastic - great personality and so excited to be involved in something that he feels passionate about! It's rare to run into such an inspiring soul ~

I liked the red and the 3-card, but I really wanted a cash-strap, so while I did errands downtown, Paul designed a custom model for me. It was ready by the time I was. I have been so happy with my Zeroz! I used to carry a 'pocketbook'-style wallet, but no one uses checks anymore, and, as implied in the video, you really DON'T need that much when you are out and about. The 3-card is perfect for my minimalist lifestyle. ID, money card, and health card. I keep my store reward cards in my reusable shopping bags, and the rest are not daily essentials.

As we strive as a society to reduce our waste and dependency on nonrenewable resources, I believe that Zeroz is on the right track. I now have let this minimalist approach steep itself in everything else that I do.

Katherine – Grommet Team

5/17/2011 12:34 PM

@Melissa: Wow! We are so glad that you stopped by with your story. It's important to us and our visitors to be doing business with people we trust, who have a passion, and a strong customer connection. Your first hand encounter helps us to know Paul and his work even better. Just to clarify for any visitors, the three card (X-Small) version we are carrying today does have a cash strap.

Pamela

5/17/2011 12:31 PM

Very beautiful indeed but.......your cash is outside the wallet where it can easily fall or be pulled out! Not good! Especially not good - in fact I don't think you could even use this - if you were carrying a lot of cash (like you pretty much don't use cards). Got a solution for that?

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 12:47 PM

@Pamela: hi .... so many people are not using cash so we wanted a super easy way to use cash just like a money clip but without the fat and bulk. it really does sit in there really nice ... if you're lucky to have cash stuff it big...works awesome. it also holds hotel room keys...you can even slip the cash under the outside card. thanks for asking!

allison

5/17/2011 12:52 PM

@Paul Westrick: I also have a zer0z, and have used the tab to hold a $20 bill inside with my cards. That works as my emergency cash...because I would rather use my debit card for everything.

Pamela

5/17/2011 7:51 PM

@Paul Westrick: thanx! Farmer's markets and the like are cash only around here (central FL)!

Garry

5/17/2011 12:57 PM

OK, this looks great, but I have the classic George Costanza wallet. Am I trainable? Do you find people like me hard to "fit" with your wallet?

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 1:06 PM

Garry! great question. trainable.....oh yeah .... you like many guys have accumulated too much stuff. me too. when you really look at what you use....it's really just a few cards. or just get an xs and use it for a great night out....a cool concert or travel on the metro! you'll be super happy...happy enough to levitate.

Linda

5/17/2011 1:18 PM

Are these wallets RFID-blocking? If not, are you considering an RFID- blocking version?

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 1:22 PM

hey thanks. we have thought of this...a lot of people have said they're not really concerned about this even though media likes to talk about it...but hey, maybe we'll be back on Daily Grommet with a metal one :)

Katherine – Grommet Team

Ben C.

@Paul Westrick: I'd probably have to get a "going-out" version when you offer a metal version, sounds cool!!

Garry

5/18/2011 9:23 AM

@Paul Westrick: If you sandwich them between some copper window screen that should have the same effect. (Farady Cage)

Nick R

5/17/2011 1:36 PM

I have a red ZerOz and I love it. I used to carry around a fat wallet and now I wonder WHY?! My friends all comment about how unique it is and always ask where I got it.

The best part I like about it is that it fits in my front pocket or slips in my jacket. Also stacks nicely on your phone when you just want to sit your stuff on the table at a restaurant/bar. If you're in Cbus stop by the store for extra personal attention!

lori

5/17/2011 2:15 PM

Hi

I am wondering, with the 10 card wallet can you safely put 5 cards and they not fall out?

thanks

love the idea!

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 2:28 PM

nice question. :) well if you're really only using around 5 cards, id get a slimmer small zerOz. if you think you'll use 7-10 cards, no problem .. a zerOz comes loaded with note cards and can fill any void. Honestly most people have no problem having enough cards. now the coolest move to make is to have your 10 card zerOz for day to day...and a slick metallic XS zerOz for a summer night out. :)

Melinda

5/17/2011 2:51 PM

Where is your shop in Columbus?

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 3:14 PM

hey there....we are right downtown on East Gay street. Hub of downtown. We have extended hours for sure right now today. email us at [email protected] if you need to come down some other time ok :)

Deb

5/17/2011 3:28 PM

I bought one for my fat-walleted husband for Xmas. He isn't quite ready to give up the George Constanza m.o., so I hijacked his zerOz and I love it. It helped me get my cards organized in my purse and now it's easier than ever to switch purses or go purse-less. WooHoo! Thanks Paul!

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 3:37 PM

deb ..... you're not the first to hijack or "borrow" a zerOz. some guys really really really have trouble letting go! security blanket :) who knows..... At zerOz, we have fat leather chairs in our retail space for guys to breathe and relax, recline and ask themselves, as they lean to the left propped up by their George Castanza wallet... and ask the big question in life: "do i need to carry this ridiculous fat clod around in my pocket everyday?" usually it's NO ..... but lucky you.

Jordy's mom

Jeffrey

These wallets are the bomb diggity for sure. I have one and want another one already. Slim, functional and they look great too.

Great job on these Paul.

Paul – Special Guest

5/17/2011 6:27 PM

hey thanks jeffrey. I think women would just not believe that even us guys are actually changing out our wallets per occasion! shhh ... seriously, to go for a nice dinner, a client meeting, drinks, a concert, or sports event, to slim down even further from any wallet...even a medium zerOz....it is a totally pulled together slick feeling to have just what we need and not weigh ourselves down with unwanted wallet stuffings. front pocket for guys...a small clutch for women...we'll match up how you want to live as we strive to go lighter.

lori

5/17/2011 10:37 PM

Hi

I am wondering, with the 10 card wallet can you safely put 5 cards and they not fall out?

thanks

love the idea!

Callie

5/17/2011 10:42 PM

@lori: Looks like your question was answered by Paul above. :)

lori

5/23/2011 7:45 PM

@Callie: yea, I must of hit the "submit"button twice. sorry. :) really just trying to see if you guys really read these comments, hehe

Barbara

5/20/2011 3:41 PM

I am wondering how to contact this company. I would love to find out about carrying these wallets in our store. Is there an email address or phone number you could provide? I'd appreciate it very much.

Katherine – Grommet Team

5/20/2011 4:01 PM

@Barbara: I will contact you directly.

lori

5/23/2011 7:50 PM

another question, What are they made out of?? looks like leather,pig,cow,deer???

Katherine – Grommet Team

5/23/2011 9:39 PM

@lori: I have sent Paul your question and will let you know.

Paul – Special Guest

5/24/2011 9:45 AM

lori .. good question. so obvious and I should have shared more. They are all made from awesome, full grain, leather we bring in from Italy. The black is more matte while the blue gray zerOz has a metallic finish. The white is a super beautiful pearlescent which actually makes it very very durable. The base material that the cashStrap locks into is recycled leather from the shoe industry and formed into sheets and die-cut to our specs. The cashStrap is also super durable and grippy to hold your cash or hotel room key if traveling. Thanks.

Betty hamer-Hodges

5/29/2012 12:27 PM

@Paul Westrick You seem to be out of stock, is there anywhere else I can get two of these as gifts for birthdays????

thank you,

Betty

Betty hamer-Hodges

5/29/2012 12:27 PM

@Paul Westrick You seem to be out of stock, is there anywhere else I can get two of these as gifts for birthdays????

thank you,

Betty

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

5/29/2012 1:09 PM

@ Betty hamer-Hodges: Thank you for your interest. We'll get back to you directly how to order the wallets.

Mike

8/28/2011 12:13 PM

Looks good but how about a vegetarian version?

Katherine – Grommet Team

8/28/2011 10:27 PM

@Mike: Great idea! I will pass it along.

Stacey

9/26/2011 12:59 PM

I was all ready to order one, possibly two, until I learned they are made of leather. How about a non-animal, much kinder (and modern!) material?

Katherine – Grommet Team

9/26/2011 1:27 PM

@Stacey Schwingle: You are on the same page as Mike. I have let Paul know that our community would love to see this available in a non-leather material.

Paul – Special Guest

11/3/2011 3:42 PM

@Stacey Schwingle: we should have a cork zerOz by next year :) but the base will still be of recycled leather from the show industry scraps. we use 25% or less leather of a typical leather wallet so we're doing pretty darn good :) we may use a metal aluminium base but these special zerOz will be more expensive.

M. E.

10/25/2011 8:55 PM

I've been using a "small wallet" similar to this for years. It's made by another company and if it ever wears out, I'll get one of these.

I never carry a purse -- makes my shoulders hurt to see women carrying around those huge bags. Instead, I just slip my small wallet in my pocket with the essentials: a fell bills, one or two credit cards, drivers license, metro card. That's it. Everything I need.

Ruth

11/1/2011 5:34 PM

I was all set to buy this great gift for all the men on my list, until I read the fine print that says you can't ship to Canada. What's with that?? We're just next door. Maybe you could look into revising your policy.

Katherine – Grommet Team

11/2/2011 9:58 AM

@Ruth: Some, but not all, products do ship to Canada. This one DOES ship to Canada. We apologize for the confusion.

Lisa Rich

11/24/2011 7:24 PM

@Katherine Klinger: If I would have it shipped to Canada, is the price the same? Everything up here costs more. Should probably ship to my mom for Christmas to avoid duties....

Katherine – Grommet Team

11/24/2011 9:04 PM

@Lisa Rich: To find out what the shipping cost will be, put one in your shopping cart and go through the ordering process. You can cancel the order before completing it if you choose to send it to your mom instead.

Rick Buckley

11/12/2011 8:14 AM

I bought the zeroz wallet and just wanted to thank the inventor who made this incredible item.

I just love it

Thanks again

Katherine – Grommet Team

11/12/2011 10:36 AM

@Rick Buckley: We're glad that you love your zerOz wallet. I have forwarded your message on to Paul - it will make his day.

Nick Manley

Chris

12/17/2011 9:26 PM

I've carried a zeroz wallet for just over a year now, and I have to tell you, I love it. I have the medium/10 card size with cash strap and it's extremely practical. It's also a conversation starter. :)

Lisa Stevens

12/21/2011 1:21 PM

I bought a green zeroz wallet for my husband and he loves it! However, I wanted to get one for my dad for Christmas---the black one in medium....can I pre-order it? Great product!

Katherine – Grommet Team

12/21/2011 3:45 PM

@Lisa Stevens: Paul is evaluating which colors and styles he will be doing in 2012 and cannot commit at this point to having any specific item available. We're thrilled that your husband loves his zerOz!

Kal

3/9/2012 4:13 PM

Hi there.

Looks very nice and functional, though, would prefer a non-leather good. Is that going to be possible ? If yes, will surely wait until that. But all in all, of great utility.

thanks

Kal

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

3/12/2012 3:54 PM

@Kal: Thank you for your interest & suggestion. We've passed it on to Paul.

Vicki

5/5/2012 1:36 PM

Suggestion I hear there is a tool people use to zap you information while the cards are in the pocket . My suggestion would be to put some kind of foil devise inside the holder . Not only would it look good but also provide security for the user

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

5/9/2012 12:47 PM

@Vicki: Thanks for stopping by to share your concern & "security" idea. We've passed it on to Paul.

Betty hamer-Hodges

5/29/2012 12:32 PM

You seem to be out of stock, is there anywhere else I can get two of these as gifts for birthdays???? Are there any other places I can purchase this Item?

thank you,

Betty

Marissa Dominguez

6/13/2012 11:03 AM

When will there be more in stock? I would like to purchase another one.

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

6/13/2012 12:38 PM

@ Marissa Dominguez: We don't have a committed date; will contact you directly when available. Thank you for your interest.

Jason

6/18/2012 4:56 PM

I placed an order Friday 6/15 and have yet to hear of a shipment date. What is the typical turnaround time for this company? For the price, I would have expected some notice to be sent if there was a delay. Frustrated that I also cannot find a phone number for company.

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

6/19/2012 11:02 AM

@ Jason: Since we have not been offering the wallet before 6/15, you might have bought the wallet somewhere else? Our Customer Support Team will be contacting you directly to help you resolve your frustration.

Jason

6/19/2012 2:17 PM

@Chew-Hoong - I appreciate your timely response. I ordered directly from the Zeroz website. I apologize, I did not realize that you sold the product as well. My frustration is not with Daily Grommet, but with the seller directly. I still have not heard back from Zeroz nor have a found a contact number for them.

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

6/21/2012 10:06 AM

@ Jason: Thanks for letting us know who you bought the wallet from. Hmmm...Paul & his team is usually very good at getting back. If you still don't hear from them, let our Customer Support Team know. Look out for another email from our CST.

Alice

7/28/2012 6:18 PM

I was hoping to buy one of these. Are you going to carry them again?

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

7/29/2012 1:15 PM

@Alice Eichelman: We plan to offer more soon and will email you once they're available. We appreciate your interest.

Kim

9/2/2012 3:47 AM

I may be over looking it but, I cannot find a price for the ZerOz. I think that my husband would like one, I am interested too. I just can't seem to locate the price.

Chew-Hoong – Grommet Team

9/4/2012 4:23 PM

@ Kim: The Price Range of $26–$34 is on the far right of the video clip. When you click the down arrow of Options, you'll see the price for each wallet. The wallet is currently not available. Please be sure to click "Notify When Back in Stock" button to hear from us when the wallet is back. Thank you for your interest.

Lisa

9/3/2012 5:33 PM

Where can I find the inner portion that has a tab on it. My husband has worn his out .?